Ujjain Shahi Masjid row turns violent as protesters clash with police; RAF deployed

The confrontation over the proposed removal of a portion of Ujjain’s historic Shahi Masjid turned violent on Monday (September 28), with protesters allegedly pelting stones at police during the road-widening exercise ahead of the 2028 Simhastha festival. Police fired tear gas shells, resorted to cane charge to disperse the crowd and deployed the Rapid Action Force (RAF) as tensions rose in the vicinity of the mosque.

Police said 10 people have been identified and an FIR has been registered against them for allegedly pelting stones and disturbing public order. “Of the 10 people named in the FIR following Monday morning’s unrest, five are social media influencers. They have been accused of spreading misinformation and disturbing peace,” a senior police officer said.

Crime Branch officer Pushpa Panchal was injured while police were trying to clear the protesters. Women also staged a road blockade as the situation remained tense.

Road-widening project

The Ujjain Municipal Corporation has been carrying out a road-widening project between Kanthal Chauraha and Gopal Mandir, with the proposed alignment requiring the removal of a portion of the Shahi Masjid. The project is part of preparations for Simhastha 2028, which is expected to draw millions of devotees to the city.

Also read: Amid Ujjain’s infra upgrade, CM Mohan Yadav family’s land purchases raise questions

The dispute centres on the portion of the mosque that falls within the proposed 15-metre-wide road alignment. The removal plan covers part of the prayer hall, a minaret and other structures associated with the mosque. The mosque, believed to be centuries old, is registered as a Waqf property.

What led to the confrontation?

Authorities said that a consensus was reached for the removal of the said part of the mosque and that members of the community had voluntarily begun dismantling the portion that falls on the proposed road. The administration has also marked several structures for removal as part of the wider road-widening exercise.

The situation, however, remained tense after residents gathered at the mosque and opposed the removal. On Monday, the confrontation escalated when stones were allegedly thrown at police personnel, prompting the use of tear gas and deployment of additional security forces.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court had earlier dismissed petitions challenging the Ujjain Municipal Corporation’s notices. In its September 9 order, the Indore bench allowed the authorities to proceed with the partial removal, citing the road-widening requirement and preparations for Simhastha 2028.

Also read: Several injured in stampede-like situation at temple in Ujjain

A further hearing related to the matter was scheduled before the Indore bench on Monday, even as the removal operation triggered protests outside the mosque.

Congress objects to removal

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi has opposed the action, urging the Madhya Pradesh government and Ujjain administration to take into account the sentiments of the local community.

Pratapgarhi questioned the decision to remove a portion of the mosque while the matter was being heard in court and suggested that the administration explore acquiring land from the other side of the road instead.

Ujjain Municipal Corporation chairperson Kalawati Yadav, meanwhile, has stressed the scale of preparations for Simhastha. She said the city is preparing new ghats, diversion routes, dams and other infrastructure ahead of the religious gathering, making road expansion an important part of the preparations.

Simhastha, also known as Ujjain’s Kumbh Mela, is held once every 12 years on the banks of the Shipra River. The 2028 edition is scheduled from March 27 to May 27.